Everything we do has a starting point. Unfortunately many never get past this point. Why is that?

Some Background

To set the stage for a discussion on getting started here are a couple of quotes:

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

“Nothing happens until something moves.” – Albert Einstein

The Bible’s book of Proverbs expresses the same idea. “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.” – Proverbs 6:6-8

The ant instinctively moves and does what has to be done. Perhaps the ant actually has a little bit of an advantage over people in that it doesn’t stop and think what needs to be done and whether there is another way. The mere ability of people to consider what needs to be accomplished and the best way to do it may lead to a standstill.

Indecision

There are countless people who have business ideas that will remain only in their head or just some ideas jotted down on paper. Why is that? A common cause, if not the most common, is fear of failure that leads to indecision. They simply cannot move past concept and on to getting started.

Do Something

We live in a fortunate time. We can often test business ideas and invest very little. The internet provides the opportunity to see what others are offering to solve a similar problem and then to even get feedback on our possible solutions. One key thing to note is that whatever we are considering offering should solve someone’s problem, even if we have to first make them aware they have a problem. Without getting into the merits of it, an example of this might be companies that test your home for radon. By making people aware of possible risks and then offering a solution they prompt people to act and buy their products and services. Many of their customers (perhaps most) may have never even considered whether this was an issue for them. But, the key here is that the sellers took action. There was certainly no guarantee that people would purchase what they had to offer, but without taking the first step they will never cover the 1,000 miles.

Here is a personal example. As a hobby I do oil paintings. It is common for artists to use a photo as a guide but add their own interpretation. Yet, occasionally I find myself struggling to select a photo or deciding where to start once I do. The key, I have found, is to jump right in. After all, there is no reason why changes cannot be made as I go along. In fact, even when a painting does not turn out as desired I generally take away from the experience some new knowledge that helps me on the next attempt.

It Impacts Us All

Do you sometimes find yourself spinning your wheels, unable to take the first active step in getting started? We all do that from time-to-time, but the key is to do something. Remember Einstein’s quote and make something move.